Kitchen Tricks and Tips From Our Expert Cooks

Substituting Dried Herbs for Fresh

Say your recipe calls for a few sprigs of fresh herbs but you don’t want to spring for a whole bunch. No problem. In most cases, you can use dried herbs instead. Follow this simple formula: 1 teaspoon of dried equals 1 tablespoon of fresh. Since dried herbs tend to have a strong, concentrated flavor, the substitution works best for hearty varieties, like oregano, thyme, and sage, which are added early in a recipe and mellow with cooking. Stick with the fresh versions of herbs like basil, mint, and parsley, which have a more delicate flavor and are added just before serving.